INSIGHTS
10 sustainability certifications in travel you should know
Numerous consumer behaviour studies have stated that travellers are looking for more sustainable options while travelling for business or leisure. As the World Economic Forum says, 7 out of 10 travellers have avoided a travel destination or transport option due to a perceived lack of credibility in relation to responsible business practices.
For those aiming to reduce their carbon footprint; many first look for airlines, hotels, and other partners that are actively working towards environmental conservation. But they want assurance that the sustainability claims made by companies are credible and verifiable. As travel managers, you can bridge the gap between demand and supply. But you want confidence that you're picking sustainable options that walk the talk.
This demand has created a need for transparent reporting and sustainability certifications.
What is a sustainability certification?
A sustainable tourism certification is an official recognition that a business or service meets specific criteria. Hotels, airports, airlines, and other transport providers can apply for various certifications. To obtain them, they must follow a process that helps with actionable ways to meet their sustainable targets and bring a positive impact on the environment.
For instance, if a company is planning to expand and open new hotels, it can apply for a certificate, use sustainable practices at the building stage, and achieve the certification. As a travel manager, these considerations and certifications are a consideration when building a travel program and choosing suppliers. You can look for suppliers across the chain that are certified and verified.
Benefits of certifications
Ultimately, by adopting these certifications, you have more confidence that a supplier has embedded sustainable practices, therefore building trust among travellers. This is achieved with:
1. Validity of claims: Sustainable certifications provide an independent verification and sometimes lengthy certification process to validate sustainability claims, which makes them more credible and trustworthy.
2. Establishing standards: They set a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility, pushing the travel industry towards continuous and conscious improvement.
3. Increasing supply chain compliance: When a brand attains certification, it makes businesses compliant with international and local regulations.
4. Driving business growth: Employees and corporate clients are favouring companies that prioritise sustainability, which can drive growth for suppliers.
5. Using ethical practices: When a brand gets certified through renowned agencies, it confirms that their sustainability credentials have been earned following a rigorous certification process.
Types of sustainability certifications
There are many sustainable travel certification bodies out there and it can get confusing for travel managers to distinguish them. Here’s a list of certifications that you can check and understand when you're next selecting suppliers.
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Actions Platform
Organisations across various sectors have taken a 'pick and mix' approach to the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). They range from initiatives that help human rights, well being, fair trade and local communities, to waste reduction, clean water, economic growth and more sustainable cities. Organisations, including travel companies, can adopt any number of the SDGs, and can register their efforts with the UN.
2. Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)
This certification was an early introduction of sustainable tourism certifications launched in 2001, created by the United Nations. It has largely partnered with governments including countries like the USA , Spain and Costa Rica. Nowadays, it is closely linked to the Partnerships for the Goals SDG.
3. ISO 14001 and 50001
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that defines standards and sets consistent benchmarks for all aspects of business. In the travel industry, there are three that highlight sustainability practices.
ISO 14001 certification is structured guidance to address environmental impacts. It includes minimising carbon footprint, resource depletion, complying with relevant legal requirements, and driving environmental objectives.
ISO 50001 certification is aimed more at energy management systems and certifies companies who want to improve use of energy.
ISO 46001 certification covers water efficiency management, applicable to organisations that use water.
4. EarthCheck
EarthCheck is a scientific benchmarking and certification organisation typically used by hotel groups, venues and attractions like theme parks. It benchmarks businesses, certifies sustainability performance, and conducts an annual audit. What's checked? Things such as energy, water & paper consumption, carbon emissions, waste management systems, chemicals, and community & employee impact.
5. Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
GSTC sets and manages the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, while also providing accreditation for certification bodies. It was created to provide a common understanding of sustainable tourism, across four themes of effective planning, maximising opportunities for the wider community, enhancing cultural heritage and reducing negative impacts on the environment. Certification criteria differs depending on whether a company is applying as Industry (e.g. tour operators), Destination or MICE. FCM's parent company Flight Centre Travel Group is a member.
6. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system
LEED is one of the leading certification services for buildings of any kind. It provides a highly efficient and cost-saving framework for building structures such as hotels, offices and airports. LEED certification is a globally recognised symbol. LEED-certified buildings utilise renewable energy and use less energy and water. Through sustainable design, construction and operations, LEED can help new and existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions, and also prioritise safer materials, and lower our exposure to toxins.
7. IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA)
This one is aimed at the aviation sector, from airlines, airports and cargo handling facilities, to freight forwarders, caterers and ramp handlers. International Air Transport Association (IATA), which takes the lead on major aviation initiatives, developed this certification to assess the industry and reduce their impact on the enrivonment and climate change. It provides aviation businesses with guidance and tools for global environmental management, in line with many ISO certifications.
8. Green Key
Hotels, accommodation, conference centres and restaurants can be among those that are Green Key certified. These suppliers commit to sustainability and environmental responsibility in their operations, from using more eco-friendly tactics, to raising awareness among staff and educating guests on sustainable tourism practices.
9. EU Ecolabel
If you spot product and services that are EU Ecolable certified, it means that those goods have a lower carbon footprint, generate less waste and CO2 during manufacturing and are designed to last longer, leaning on natural resources. The EU Ecolabel is recognised across European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.
10. NATA Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses
Aviation trade group the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has a self-certification initiative to help companies reduce their carbon footprint. The free-to-use standard is designed to improve sustainability efforts across the industry including reducing greenhouse gases and emissions, improving energy efficiency and reducing waste.
Building a sustainable travel program
Certifications are just one way that travel managers can assess the long-term sustainability goals of their travel suppliers. For travel program that want to positively impact the environment and promote social fairness, it's important to understand certification services not just in business travel, but across the tourism industry. Your TMC can help you understand how to carve your future travel policy and supplier selections based on certifications and other sustainable management considerations.